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My gear selection to start on this sport.

Ballantin

Ballantin

Active Member
Jul 13, 2013
185
57
38
Milton Keynes
Hello all.

I think I have pretty clear what I need to start on this, and what I need to purchase, so I will list it, and please correct me if I'm wrong, or if there are better options.
My budget is 1000£ ~ 1500£.

I want to join a team and do some tournaments, but I also want to play some walk on events, and woodsball. I will probably get a dedicated marker later one for this.

But as main marker, I think an Empire Axe is a great option. I like it because the design, the "no hose", the great comments on it, and I've also found a PDD edition in Gold/Silver, with EF barrels and Red Dot grip :D
The only problem is that it is only in stock in a USA store, but that ships internationally!!!

For the Hopper, I was not sure from Dye Rotor to Empire Z2, but I think that both are very similar, and I will pick the Z2 in white (I will probably paint it later or something, to match the marker).

For the Tank, I want to get the Empire Ultra 72ci (Carbon Fiber, 4,5k) but I do not know if it is in accordance to UK/EU rules: http://shop.empirepaintball.com/p/empire-ultra-72ci-tank?pp=6
If no, I will get the 68ci one, that I'm sure accomplish with the directives.
Of course I will get a remote coil cord. Probably Tipmman because it is black finished.

And for googles, Dye i4 Limited Edition Black/Gold, and probably spare lens in clear. A note to add, I'm bald so I don't know if it is an advantage or a disadvantage (and I better look for a full cover set).

I will also need protectors, at least for knees and elbows, a harness or similar to carry the paint and the tank, gloves, some good and comfortable boots/shoes, and jersey and pants, but this will not increase the price too much...

So, what do you think? Should I change my mind in any of these items? I've already read comparisons, reviews, etc, so I think I have a general idea.

Many thanks!
 
Donk

Donk

Gorrilaz
May 11, 2010
670
229
78
40
Clacton-on-sea
Welcome to the forums!

You've picked out all pretty good kit, the only thing you may want to change is playing remote (the air line) this is not a good setup for tournament ball.

Maybe consider a speed feed for your loader & definitely a "Sandana" or bounce hat as bare skin is not permitted in some events rules & sun stroke is a reality when you play you won't notice until you are ill.

Pads you want to try on as depending on your build some will move or cut into you.

Hope that helps!

Where are you based?
 
Ballantin

Ballantin

Active Member
Jul 13, 2013
185
57
38
Milton Keynes
I didn't mentioned it, but yes, a Virtue Speed feed will be fitted for sure.

Why do you say that remote is not a good option? I mean, getting the air bottle away from the middle can't hurt.

I will need to find a fancy something to cover my head (yeah I know about the sun, I used to get my head red as a lamp every summer).

About bikes, you can not imagine how much I miss Spanish tracks :D

I think I will aswell pick the remote cord, just for when I play woodsball, but still wondering what is the disadvantage on tournaments :O

Anyway, thanks a lot for the advices, really helped :)
 
Last edited:
GodForbid

GodForbid

Well-Known Member
Jun 30, 2012
394
86
48
37
www.northants-giants.co.uk
Hi Ballantin!

Where abouts are you based?

I concur about the remote line. I really don't think you'll end up using it. They get in the way, and make everything fiddly, but the biggest issue is the fact that you use the bottle as a stock in your shoulder to take the weight off and keep the marker steady. You'll get really achy arms holding an axe outstretched without a stock.

The Axe is a great gun, I've got the PDD version. Only had it a couple of days but have tested it and it felt lovely.

I think you should steer away from buying in the USA as they can get seized at customs, but the biggest issue is the import tax you will need to add onto it.

My advice is buy a second hand Axe from these forums.

Anyway, depending on where you live you're always welcome to come and have a look at my Axe and Ego so you can feel and compare the two before you buy anything.

Cheers.
 
Tom

Tom

Tom
Nov 27, 2006
4,082
1,211
198
Salisbury
www.TaskForceDelta.co.uk
For importing the axe you will save money on the purchase price by paying US prices but pay more on postage, then on arrival in the UK get 20% import vat put on top. (Import duty could also be charged on top as well as import vat)
when there are any customs charges you will have to pay a fixed charge between £8 and £20 courier handling fee depending on who the courier is
Note that customs charges are based on the deemed value, so could go by the posters declaration/invoice or they may check local prices.
It can work out very expensive to import and often more then buying in the uk. If the particular axe you want is special enough then first call around uk suppliers as they may import one for you from the manufacturer. Then you just pay any extra of it being special rather then multiple unknown charges

By the type of marker there should be no issue with seizing. Only if charges are raised and you don't want to pay

For an air cylinder it must be pi marked. Note the one you linked is described as 'DOT/TC' as it is being sold for the US/Canadian markets
My advice on importing as above still stands but with the additional factor of the pi mark. You can of use any cylinder in the uk without he pi mark. Even if the same model is available here, you may get lucky and pick up a tri marked cylinder from the us which is marked 'DOT/TC/pi'. But it's not too likely. Buy from the uk

For goggles and baldness, stick to general advice on goggles and try some on before buying. For baldness just add a hat or head cover.
Full head goggles can feel restrictive

Hopper - fine, no personal experience with the z2 but its popular and does the job with satisfied customers

For remote line- speaking as a scenario player I use a remote, but not all of the time. It depends on how im playing and what with. The use of the cylinder as a stock is a key factor
But when using either pistols or guns with stocks then I use remote.
Don't get a remote without an on/off as you then are stuck with it attached until you switch off the air at the cylinder
You can go for a remote with an on/off slide check, but I realy recommend the newer type like this:

http://www.demonpaintball.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=679
The ASA has a longer pointier connector which you need to take care of - don't drop it on concrete
But it is so simple to use. Press a button to turn off and disconnect

If using a remote line then you may also like a remote fill line. This lets you fill without taking off your vest etc to get at the cylinder
http://www.demonpaintball.co.uk/index.php?_a=product&product_id=610

These can get in the way if crawling through bushes, switching from hand to hand around obstacles etc

To use a remote line you will need something that will also hold your cylinder
In the woods etc usually a vest rig, but you can get pod belts that can accept cylinders
A very big cylinder can be an issue with getting a suitable pouch
A molle vest will be a bit pricey compared to a specific vest, but it gives various options on how you lay it all out

For your choice of cylinder there are many threads on this, and I'm often on them advising for or against 4500psi cylinders
Do your homework on the threads and go for one that suits your needs for size/capacity and price paying particular attention to the ergonomics of fit to you. If in doubt go for a 3000psi standard cylinder then try out others with traders at events
 
D

djgoodbody

New Member
Jul 14, 2013
0
1
1
40
Wish I had that sort of money to start the sport, its certainly not a cheap sport..although very enjoyable.
 
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